There are two freedoms –
the false, where a (wo)man is free to
do what (s)he likes;
the true, where (s)he is free to do
what (s)he ought.
Charles
Kingsley, Anglican priest, teacher, and author;
he
was born on this date, 1819, at Holne Vicarage, Devon, England
People often say to me when I
have “done something” for them, “You didn’t have to do that!” My response is
always, “I know I didn’t; I did it because I wanted to; I rarely do things I am
told I have to do!”
I find that Americans are into
the False Freedom. We have been raised culturally on the principle that no one
shall tell us what to do … because
this impinges on our American sense of Freedom.
Christians, on the other hand
… that is, Christians whose understanding of the Gospel has trumped that of
American culture … understand the True Freedom. We know that we can never be
free until all are free. We know that the Gospel teaches that Love requires us
to act in Love … and that means
accepting the “oughts”. The “oughts” of Love don’t limit us, they enlarge us as
a person and as a member of God’s family … the Human Family.
Eventually, a Christian does
what (s)he ought because it is what (s)he likes.
Freedom!
Brian+
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